Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Unity, Receives Letters of Credence from Six Envoys

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and supporting democratic transitions across West Africa, declaring that unity is key to regional prosperity.

The President made this known while receiving the new Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking during the presentation of Letters of Credence, President Tinubu assured the Malian envoy of Nigeria’s continued support as Mali navigates its path toward democratic governance.

“We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render,” Tinubu said. “For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa… No nation can succeed alone.”

He emphasized that Mali remains a brother nation, regardless of political alignments, and assured Coulibaly that Nigeria would always be receptive to collaboration and dialogue.

Ambassador Coulibaly, conveying greetings from Malian Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s leadership in the region and its support for peacekeeping missions. “Africans must solve African problems,” he said, acknowledging Nigeria’s prominent role on the continent.

President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, signaling Nigeria’s intention to strengthen global partnerships across key sectors including trade, energy, education, and security.

The envoys included:

• Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
• High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of the United Republic of Tanzania
• Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (non-resident)
• Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation
• Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland

In his meeting with the Tanzanian High Commissioner, Tinubu praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in the African Union and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation, particularly in the areas of culture, sports, and economic investment. Ambassador Kakele acknowledged Nigeria’s economic footprint in Tanzania, citing major Nigerian firms like Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.

With the Russian envoy, Tinubu expressed the need for increased technical collaboration, particularly in revitalizing the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and expanding partnerships in science, education, and nuclear energy.

“Our partnership has been fulfilling,” Tinubu noted, “but we need more technological support with our rapidly growing population.”

Ambassador Podelyshev confirmed Russia’s ongoing support, especially in energy and education, highlighting active agreements on nuclear cooperation.

Addressing Swiss Ambassador Patrick Egloff, Tinubu committed to enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate through regulatory reforms to address legal uncertainties that could deter investors. Egloff noted the growing presence of Swiss firms like Nestlé and Lafarge, while commending bilateral cooperation on security and intelligence.

The President also welcomed Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who invited President Tinubu to visit Bosnia to further bolster relations.

President Tinubu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to fostering global peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.